Key Takeaways
- Switzerland coach Murat Yakin described the rule behind Breel Embolo's sending off as 'unacceptable'.
- Argentina scored twice in extra time to win 3-1 against Switzerland.
- Yakin and team members questioned the intervention, calling for FIFA to explain the decision.
Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed his frustration with a controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision that led to Breel Embolo's sending off during their World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina. The Swiss team, who had been leading 1-0 at the time of the incident, saw their hopes dashed as they lost 3-1 in extra time.
In the 72nd minute, Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation, just five minutes after Dan Ndoye had cancelled out Alexis Mac Allister's early opener. The referee initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes before a lengthy VAR review determined that no foul had occurred on Embolo.
Yakin was critical of the decision, stating, 'There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.' He added, 'We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful. It’s a rule that has nothing to do with football.'
The coach's frustration was echoed by midfielder Remo Freuler, who said, 'I’m very proud of the team. You could tell that we gave 100%. I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA has to explain it to us.'
Embolo himself was visibly upset after the incident, collapsing in tears on the pitch before being consoled by his teammates. Yakin said, 'He was fouled many times and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn’t help the team any more. I don’t blame him. Obviously, he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing mistake.'
The defeat ended Switzerland's first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954 and left them one victory short of reaching the last four for the first time in over seven decades. Yakin praised his team's performance, saying, 'I am very proud, they are very proud.' He added that he would like to see FIFA explain their decision regarding the VAR intervention.
The match saw Switzerland hold out until the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez scored a superb long-range goal. Lautaro Martinez then added Argentina's third nine minutes later, sealing the victory for the South American team.
Yakin concluded by saying, 'We were dominating and controlling the match, and then we were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it.' He emphasized his pride in the team’s efforts throughout the tournament, stating, 'I would like to praise the entire team because we came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum.'
There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.
Murat Yakin, Switzerland coach
I’m very proud of the team. You could tell that we gave 100%. I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA has to explain it to us.
Remo Freuler, Swiss midfielder
He was fouled many times and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn’t help the team any more. I don’t blame him. Obviously, he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing mistake.
Murat Yakin, Switzerland coach
